KPMG: 'Government playing catch-up' on infrastructure

The government has set out plans for how £375 billion will be spent over the next 20 years on the country's infrastructure.

The CBI, a UK business lobbying organisation, has criticised the government for "talking the talk" on infrastructure but "with too few signs of action". Their criticism followed a survey of businesses carried out by the professional services company, KPMG.

Richard Threlfall, KPMG's head of infrastructure, told the Today programme that the government's "announcements are going to be very welcome, but they do reflect the fact that this government is playing catch-up for more than 30 years of under investment in the UK's infrastructure.

"The UK has invested less in its infrastructure than any one of its major competitors, typically less than 1% of its GDP."

Mr Threlfall added: "The government made a mistake when it came into power because they clamped down on capital infrastructure spending… they need to invest for the long term in the competitiveness of the UK."

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday 4 December 2013.